2013 to go ahead with 19 races

The 2013 Formula One World Championship will go ahead with 19 races it has been confirmed.

After the New Jersey race was postponed until 2014, the FIA and Formula One had reshuffled the race calendar in the hopes of slotting in a replacement event.

Initially there was a lot of talk of the Turkish Grand Prix returning to the schedule and it almost appeared like a done deal, but as the weeks went on the uncertainty mounted.

There was of course rumours of various other possible destinations, but none of which have transpired leaving Formula One with 19 races for the upcoming season.

‘The calendar has been formed already, it’s too late, [I am] disappointed that it didn’t happen before; we can’t suddenly slot it in.’ Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone told Dubai’s The National newspaper as quoted by Autosport Magazine.

In regards to British viewers it means that less than 50% of the 2013 Formula One season will be available to watch live for free. With Sky Sports showing ten races and the BBC showing the remaining nine.